- January 6, 2026 - Jardin botanique : Horticultural news
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of the renowned French botanist Francis Hallé, which occurred on December 31, 2025, in Montpellier, France. A passionate defender of tropical forests, his research profoundly renewed our understanding of tree development.
Francis Hallé, a great conscience dedicated to biodiversity
He and his collaborators introduced the concept of plant architecture and demonstrated that all tree species follow only 22 structural models.
A long-time friend of the Montréal Botanical Garden
Francis Hallé was invited on several occasions at the Montréal Botanical Garden (MBG) as a speaker or to take part in major events.
His connection with the MBG began after meeting Michel Labrecque in 1990 in Montpellier during the third edition of the Tree Symposium. “It was love at first sight professionally,” said Michel Labrecque. Francis Hallé was later invited to join the advisory committee created to help develop the first strategic plan for the Plant Biology Research Institute.
This friendship grew stronger following the participation of an MBG team in the famous “Radeau des cimes” missions. Botanists Denis Barabé, Alain Cogliastro, and Michel Labrecque joined expeditions in French Guiana and Gabon in 1996 and 1999. For these three scientists, these were extraordinary experiences that remain unforgettable.
A forest and trees defender
Inspired by his numerous publications, including his famous Plaidoyer pour l’arbre (In Praise of the Tree), the Botanical Garden inaugurated an educational trail through the arboretum in 2013. About ten structures were installed to explain tree biology and functioning. Francis Hallé was, of course, present at the official opening of this trail.
Francis returned to the MBG one last time in 2018 during an exhibition dedicated to the “Radeau des cimes.” He also presented Once Upon a Forest, a film inspired by his work and directed by Luc Jacquet.
His passing leaves an immense void, both for the scientific community and for all those who, like him, deeply love trees.
Like Hubert Reeves or David Suzuki, Francis Hallé is among those great minds who chose to dedicate their voice, knowledge, and life to biodiversity and the preservation of our planet.
